Of all the popular blue gemstones, none can match the fire and brilliance of blue zircon. Zircon has the unique distinction of being the oldest mineral on earth at 4.4 billion years. Its icy blue hues and festive sparkle make it our favorite December birthstone, yet it is still relatively unknown to those outside the world of gem collecting.
Blue zircon is erroneously thought to be related to cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant. In fact, zircon is a naturally occurring gemstone also known by its mineral name zirconium silicate. In addition to blue, zircon can be red, yellow, orange, green, brown, and colorless. Blue zircon is created through heat treating brown zircon, although only certain physical structures of brown zircon can be transformed into blue. Blue zircon is pleochroic, meaning it can appear to be different colors when viewed from various angles. Often you will see shades of sea green in an otherwise cerulean blue zircon.
AAAA Blue Zircon, Oval Shape 12×10 mm, 9.00 CTTW, Loose Gemstone
In the Middle Ages, zircon was believed to have the power to do everything from banishing evil to inducing restful sleep. It was also believed to bring prosperity and honor to whomever possessed it. Blue zircon was popular in the Victorian Era, and colorless zircon was used in the early 1900’s as a diamond substitute. Celebrated gemologist George Kunz was a big fan of zircon and tried to market it under the name “starlite” to express its fiery qualities. However the nickname never caught on, and zircon stayed out of the mainstream jewelry market.
Blue Zircon 20.09 Carat Oval Ring 14K White Gold
13.28 Carat Natural Blue Zircon and Diamond (F-G Color, VS1-VS2 Clarity) 14K White Gold Luxury Ring
